Zambia Under-20 men’s national team head coach Perry Mutapa says the Junior Chipolopolo are shaping up well as preparations for the COSAFA Under-20 Championship continue.
The Junior Chipolopolo have been placed in Group C alongside Malawi, Comoros and Botswana at the tournament scheduled for September 18-27 in Mozambique.
Mutapa told FAZ Media that the team showed good signs in Thursday’s two preparatory matches against Athletico Lusaka; beating the National Division one side 3-0 in the first encounter before suffering a 1-0 defeat in the second.
“The team is coming up so well, the preparation as you have seen today, I think very good intensity in the game against a well-oiled Athletico Lusaka, pound to pound yes, we have lost 1 nil but I’m happy with the application.” Said Mutapa.
The Mutapa explained that there was still work to be done, especially with the team having limited time before the tournament.
“Time is not with us but we will try to manage every area of the game because in every area I think we need to do well; in goalkeeping, when we are transitioning. I think we caught Athletico many times in transition and we could have scored. We are going to work on all the areas. All the areas are important in football.”
Goalkeeper Christo Chitamba said the players are focused on the task ahead and wanted to fight for more than just the regional title.
“My team mates and I are working very hard and we are all focused on the task that side. We just want to help the team and our main goal in not just to win the COSAFA but qualify for the AFCON and go to the World Cup.”
And winger Kayula Chinunda said the strong unity in camp has given the players a good platform as they prepare for the COSAFA test in Mozambique. “There is team unity in camp we are talking and bonding with each other in camp. This is good for us especially when we have a tournament.”
Zambia are 12-time COSAFA Under-20 champions and will be chasing a 13th title in Mozambique. The two finalists will secure qualification to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.